Bond levels are one of the many mechanics in Scarlet Nexus. Bond levels are the game's version of friendship levels, not unlike confidant ranks in Persona 5, and they operate similarly as well. Here's how players can increase bond levels in Scarlet Nexus.

   Yuito and Kasane, Scarlet Nexus' two protagonists, meet a number of allies who work with the OSF and have varying abilities that come in handy. Because their storylines vary so heavily, especially further into the campaign, some characters Yuito will be closer with, and others will be primary party members for Kasane. 

   Regardless, the bond system operates the same for both characters. Increasing bond levels will offer more abilities down the line when Kasane and Yuito initiate their SAS links. The most obvious way to raise a squadmate's affinity is to view their bond episodes. You can start these by either talking to them in your hideout or by responding to brain messages you've received.

   Every time you do a bond event, that squadmate's affinity will rise. The other way to do this is to give them a gift. When you speak to squadmates in the hideout, you have the option to give them gifts. Simply navigate to the tab that says "exchange" and then filter it to gifts. This will allow you to swap items found in the maps and ones dropped by Others for the listed gift. 

   By increasing bond levels, Yuito and Kasane's allies will have enhanced abilities through the SAS link, primarily in the form of Assault Visions and SAS Abilities. For example, reaching bond level 6 with Hanabi, Yuito's childhood friend, grants the flame thrower attack and enhances the pyrokinesis ability. Reaching level 6 with Tsugumi increases crush damage and enemy item drop rates. 

Scarlet Nexus is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.